Nonprofit organization Fashion Revolution is known for its global campaigns for supply chain transparency and workers’ rights. The organization confirms the closure of its UK branch to decentralize operations.
In a message on LinkedIn, the organization reports that it is phasing out the activities of Fashion Revolution CIC (Community Interest Company). CIC is a title for British social enterprises that use profits and assets for the public good. The organization opts for “a more federated, globally coordinated and locally led next phase of work”.
In addition to the shift towards a broader vision, Fashion Revolution also recognizes the current challenges in funding and operational context in the UK. These setbacks are the reason for the closure of this industry.
Challenging financing landscape threatens supply chain advocates
Fashion Revolution was founded in 2013 by British designers Carry Somers and Orsola de Castro. They will step down as directors in 2022. The organization has grown into a globally recognized entity committed to transparency, safety and fair wages in the fashion supply chain. Its creation was a direct response to the Rana Plaza disaster, in which more than 1,100 people were killed by the garment factory collapse in Bangladesh.
In honor of the victims, the organization launched the annual Fashion Revolution Day event. This later became Fashion Revolution Week, which begins on the anniversary of the tragedy, April 24, and takes place in 80 countries. This year, the campaign aims to “rekindle hope” by tackling misleading claims in the fashion industry and aimless promises from world leaders.
The weeklong effort is one of several notable campaigns by the nonprofit organization. The “#WhoMadeMyClothes” initiative was another long-term project that called on brands to share more information about the people who make their clothes. The campaign received responses from more than 3,800 global brands.
Fashion Revolution survives through stronger local leadership
While Fashion Revolution’s impact is clear, it is one of the few ethical and environmental organizations grappling with a complex financing landscape. The closure of the UK branch follows the closure of another champion of ethical production, Remake. The American organization, known for its #PayUp and #NoNewClothes initiatives, closed its doors earlier this year. The cause was insufficient sustainable financing.
Like Remake, which plans to continue its efforts largely through social media, Fashion Revolution will continue to exist. However, this is done with a more international focus. In its statement, the organization said it is entering the next phase “through the strength of its global network,” supported by “stronger local leadership and continued global coordination.”
“We hope that this next phase strengthens the collective commitment to transforming the fashion industry and continues the work of the movement with renewed focus and shared ownership,” the statement said.
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